Osprey  Stratos 34 Pack

I bought this pack for the purpose of carrying research equipment off trail. I have beat this pack up by smacking trees, falling on it, sitting on it, sliding down mountains on it, using it as an umbrella... and probably more things I never noticed. Even though Osprey will fix or replace their packs for life, I may never need to as there is still nothing broken or ripped on my pack after 3 months of this kind of abuse literally every day. This pack could even be used as 2-3 day trip pack if you have small enough gear. It will handle 30+ lbs... as I consistently made it do. All around worth it, especially if you have plenty years of packing left!

After a few outings with this pack, all I can say is it's "As Advertised." Well made and exceptionally functional, front and top loading makes for easy access. The "Airspeed" suspension works well for keeping one's back cool and dry, important for comfort here in the deserts of Arizona! Had concerns that it might be too "rigid" on the back, but it's not and feels good (I pack heavy even for day trips). I'm very impressed with this pack (my first Osprey product), and highly recommend it!

I purchased this pack for day hikes and bike commuting, and overall, I am quite happy with the pack. The 'airspeed' suspension works well -- this was the primary reason why I chose this backpack. I also looked at a Stratos 24, but felt that was too small for bike commuting (e.g. it's not clear that it would fit a laptop and a change of clothes). The pack is well-built (as one would expect from an Osprey pack). Downsides? Due to the suspension system, the main compartment is an awkward bowed shape. This is very obvious as soon as you start using the pack. The backpack will fit a laptop but it's very awkward since there is no flat area in the pack. The main comparment is also rather shallow; large rigid items (e.g. a full-size SLR) don't seem to fit particularly evenly either. If you are just packing clothes and soft items, then you won't have any concerns at all. On balance, I would buy the pack again. For me, the airspeed system (and not having a soggy back) more than outweighs the clumsy compartment shape. Thus, the 4-star rating. I am 5'11" and purchased a medium-sized pack. I tried on a large size, and the medium was a better choice for me -- I do seem to be a bit between sizes. PS. If you are biking with this pack, the ice axe loop is a bit of a nuisance, since it has a tendency to hook itself on the saddle nose after you dismount.

This pack works great for up to a 6-8 hr day hike

Has all the space you want for lengthy day trips. I'm using it in the desert area of Tucson, so need lots of room for water. Really enjoy the additional compartments and spacious side pockets

I wanted a do-everything pack, small enough to use as carry-on luggage and backpacking around europe, tough enough to handle mountains and some abuse, stylish enough to use as a bookbag on campus. This is not that pack. Osprey lives up to its reputation for rugged durability. I used this bag hard and it looks as good as new. Even though I tend to over-stuff my bags, the seams show no signs of strain. But due to the internal suspension, the main compartment is fixed in an odd, curved shape, making it hard to use the space efficiently. The shape also makes it hard to access the bottom of the compartment when full. I was able to get much more equipment in my old, smaller Jansport bookbag than in the Osprey's unyielding frame. The suspension and hip belt make for a comfortable load and keep your back cool, no complaints here. The construction is top-notch. At 5'11", I was at the top end of a Medium on the sizing guide. The frame seems just slightly small, not painfully so, but wish I had opted for the Large instead. Excels as a day hiking pack, will last forever, but not great as a multi-use bag.